Essential Information for Parents
Can Children Contract Monkeypox? What Parents Need to Know About This Viral Illness
Stay calm, but remain alert.
Written by Laura Henderson
Updated: July 21, 2022
Originally Published: June 1, 2022
After enduring a long pandemic (is it truly behind us?), the last thing anyone wants to hear is “outbreak.” Yet here we are, grappling with new reports and rising concern: What exactly is monkeypox, and how worried should we be? What began as a handful of cases has escalated to 584 confirmed instances in 26 countries as of May 31. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are currently 18 cases reported across eight states in the U.S.
Before you panic and consider pulling your child from school or preparing for isolation, take a moment to read our insightful Q&A with Dr. Emily Johnson, a pediatrician and parenting specialist based in New York City. The bottom line? There’s no reason to alarm just yet, but it’s wise to stay informed.
What Parents Should Know About Monkeypox in 2022
Parenting Today: How concerned should we be about our children contracting monkeypox?
Dr. Emily Johnson: At this point, there’s no need for parents to be overly concerned about their children getting monkeypox.
That’s a relief! But why is this such a hot topic?
EJ: While monkeypox is quite rare, recent cases have been reported in Europe and the United States, which is unusual. Naturally, that attracts media attention. However, it’s still far more likely for your child to contract COVID. Parents should remain calm, but they can always reach out to their pediatrician with any questions.
What is the mode of transmission for monkeypox?
EJ: The virus spreads when someone comes into contact with an infected animal or person or surfaces contaminated with the virus. It can enter the body through broken skin—even if the break isn’t visible—or via the respiratory tract or mucous membranes (like eyes, nose, or mouth). Animal-to-human transmission can occur through bites, scratches, close contact with bodily fluids, or lesions caused by the virus. Indirect contact, such as through contaminated bedding, is also possible.
Should we instruct our kids on specific precautions?
EJ: They’re probably already following many of the same precautions used to avoid COVID. According to the CDC, human transmission mainly occurs through large respiratory droplets that typically can’t travel beyond a few feet. Therefore, minimizing prolonged face-to-face interactions is advisable.
How does monkeypox differ from chickenpox and smallpox?
EJ: Monkeypox and smallpox belong to the same poxvirus family, while chickenpox is caused by the Varicella zoster virus and is unrelated to poxviruses. Smallpox is highly contagious and serious but has been eradicated thanks to vaccination. Monkeypox is similar but significantly milder, and the smallpox vaccine offers protection against it. The diseases also differ in progression: lymph node swelling before the rash can help distinguish monkeypox from smallpox.
What if a child does contract monkeypox?
EJ: After an incubation period of 7 to 14 days, symptoms usually begin with fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue—all similar to flu symptoms. After a few days of fever, a rash emerges, starting on the face before spreading across the body. The rash progresses through stages: flat red spots, then raised blisters, which eventually scab over. There’s no specific treatment for monkeypox, and it typically lasts between 2 to 4 weeks until it resolves.
Note: Currently, there’s no specific monkeypox vaccine, but smallpox vaccines can protect against monkeypox infection. A vaccine designed to prevent both smallpox and monkeypox is available in case of an outbreak. For the latest updates on monkeypox from the CDC, click here.
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Summary:
Monkeypox poses a minimal threat to children at this time, with much higher risks associated with COVID-19. Parents should stay informed and follow basic precautions similar to those for COVID, such as avoiding close contact. In case of symptoms, it’s essential to consult a pediatrician.